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Anyone who thinks ancient history is dry will think again after dipping into these ocean blues. Here, political corruption, intrigue, high-seas adventure, romance, and comedy are all presented in abundance by the likable Marcus Oppius Sabinus, a teenager with a very contemporary attitude. Marcus is unwittingly involved by his cousin in “promoting” the ambitious young Julius Caesar in an upcoming Roman election. When Marcus proves to be even better at bribery than his cousin had hoped, he is assigned a difficult and dangerous mission. He must spy on, and undermine, those who would support Cicero’s control of Rome, so that Julius Caesar can continue his power grab. The mission carries its rewards and risks. If Marcus succeeds, he will be on the inner circles of Rome’s elite. If he fails, he faces exile — or worse. Given very little choice but to accept his assignment, Marcus travels to Greece, but not before he is sidelined by shipwreck, enslavement, and pirate attack. Oh, yes, and the beginnings of love.
Beautifully researched and fast-paced, The Ancient Ocean Blues is a solid story that is sure to stand the test of time and put historical fiction in a whole new light for today’s young adults.
Praise for The Roman Conspiracy:
“Mitchell’s classical adventure rivals Caroline Lawrence’s “The Roman Mysteries” or Jane Yolen’s “Young Heroes” series . . . Fast-paced action, an authentic setting, and realistic characterization all work together to make this an exciting journey to the ancient world.” — School Library Journal
“. . . a marvelous tale with the forward drive of a chariot . . . The Roman Conspiracy should find a place alongside books by such esteemed writers as Rosemary Sutcliff and Geoffrey Trease.” — Bill Richardson, CBC Radio
“The Roman Conspiracy is a good strong adventure story . . . with lots of action, [and] a likable hero . . .” — Highly Recommended, CM Magazine
Tundra author Jack Mitchell was born in New Brunswick and grew up in Ottawa, Ontario. At the age of fourteen, his admiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings prompted him to take Latin in high school. He has been interested in Roman history ever since. He studied Classics at McGill University and holds a Ph.D. in Classics from Stanford University, where he wrote his first novel, The Roman Conspiracy. Jack Mitchell lives in Toronto, Ontario.
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